[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 4 (Monday, January 31, 2005)]
[Pages 113-115]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks at a Swearing-In Ceremony for Condoleezza Rice as Secretary of 
State

January 28, 2005

    Thank you all for coming. Laura and I are honored to be here. Over 
the past 4 years,

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America has benefited from the wise counsel of Dr. Condoleezza Rice and 
our family has been enriched by our friendship with this remarkable 
person. We love her. I don't know if you're supposed to say that about 
the Secretary of State. [Laughter]
    Condi--appointment and confirmation of Secretary of State marks a 
remarkable transition in what is already a career of outstanding service 
and accomplishment.
    Today also marks an opportunity to honor another career defined by 
service and accomplishment. Throughout a lifetime spent in public 
service, Colin Powell has asked nothing in return. For over four 
decades, millions at home and abroad have benefited from his bravery, 
his dignity, and his integrity. He's left our Nation a better place than 
it was when he began his career in public service as a second lieutenant 
in the United States Army. His magnificent wife, Alma, I am certain is 
pleased that a grateful nation is giving back her husband--[laughter]--
and all of us admire and appreciate the service of Colin Powell.
    I appreciate the fact that Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg administered 
the oath. It was neighborly of her to do that. [Laughter] I want to 
thank Congresswoman Jane Harman from California for joining us, as well 
as Juanita Millender-McDonald from California. We're honored you both 
are here. Thanks for taking time to honor your fellow Californian, Condi 
Rice.
    I see sitting between you two is a fine American in Andrew Young. 
Welcome, Andy. Thank you for coming. I shouldn't start going around the 
room heralding all the--[laughter]--accomplished souls who are here. I 
do want to thank members of the diplomatic corps for coming. I 
appreciate Your Excellencies taking time to honor Condi. I want to thank 
the distinguished guests and members--folks who work at the State 
Department for joining us as well. It's a good thing to come and honor 
your new boss--[laughter]--good diplomacy--[laughter].
    Colin Powell leaves big shoes to fill at the State Department, but 
Condi Rice is the right person to fill them. As National Security 
Adviser, she has led during a time when events not of our choosing have 
forced America to the leading edge of history. Condi has an abiding 
belief in the power of democracy to secure justice and liberty and the 
inclusion of men and women of all races and religions in the courses 
that free nations chart for themselves.
    A few days from now, these convictions will be confirmed by the 
Iraqi people when they cast their ballots in Iraq's first free elections 
in generations. Sunday's election is the first step in a process that 
will allow Iraqis to write and pass a constitution that enshrines self-
government and the rule of law. This history is changing the world, 
because the advent of democracy in Iraq will serve as a powerful example 
to reformers throughout the entire Middle East. On Sunday, the Iraqi 
people will be joining millions in other parts of the world who now 
decide their future through free votes.
    In Afghanistan, the people have voted in the first free Presidential 
elections in that nation's 5,000-year history. The people of Ukraine 
have made clear their own desire for democracy. The Palestinians have 
just elected a new President who has repudiated violence. Freedom is on 
the march, and the world is better for it.
    Widespread hatred and radicalism cannot survive the advent of 
freedom and self-government. Our Nation will be more secure, the world 
will be more peaceful as freedom advances. Condi Rice understands that. 
And the terrorists understand that as well, and that is why they are now 
attacking Iraqi civilians in an effort to sabotage elections. We applaud 
the courage of ordinary Iraqis for their refusal to surrender their 
future to these killers.
    No nation can build a safer and better world alone. The men and 
women of the State Department are doing a fine job of working with other 
nations to build on the momentum of freedom. I know our Nation will be 
really well served when the good folks at the State Department join with 
Condi Rice to face the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 
In the coming months and years, we must stop the proliferation of 
dangerous weapons and materials. We must safeguard and expand the 
freedom of international marketplace and free trade. We must advance 
justice and fundamental

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human rights. We must fight HIV/AIDS and other diseases and reduce 
poverty.
    Each task will require good relations with nations around the world, 
and each will require a Secretary who will lead by character and 
conviction and wisdom. To meet these times and tasks, America has its 
best in Dr. Condoleezza Rice, now Secretary Condoleezza Rice, our 66th 
Secretary of State.

Note: The President spoke at 9:58 a.m. at the Department of State. In 
his remarks, he referred to former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations 
Andrew Young; and President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) of the Palestinian 
Authority. The transcript released by the Office of the Press Secretary 
also included the remarks of Secretary Rice.